Rangers prospect Gavin Collyer impresses with blazing fastball, but control issues remain

The 24-year-old right-hander has seen his velocity spike, but his walk rate is a concern as he battles for a bullpen spot.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Gavin Collyer, a 12th-round draft pick by the Texas Rangers in 2019, has been a standout in the team's spring training camp so far, impressing with a fastball that can reach 100 mph and a high-spin sweeper. After struggling with his velocity in the minors, Collyer dedicated himself to training and has seen his four-seam fastball climb to 95-98 mph. However, his control issues, with a walk rate of 6.15 per nine innings at Double-A Frisco last season, remain a hurdle he must clear to solidify a spot in the Rangers' bullpen this year.

Why it matters

Collyer's development is an intriguing story for the Rangers, who are looking to bolster their bullpen this season. His ability to miss bats with his elite stuff could make him a valuable asset, but his control problems will need to be addressed if he wants to earn a roster spot and contribute at the major league level.

The details

Collyer, a 24-year-old right-hander from Lawrenceville, Georgia, was a late-round draft pick by the Rangers in 2019. After struggling with his velocity in the minors, topping out at 93 mph in 2022, Collyer dedicated himself to training that offseason, using weighted balls, plyometric workouts, and more intentional bullpen sessions to increase his fastball velocity. The hard work paid off, as Collyer's four-seam fastball now sits at 95-98 mph and pairs well with a high-spin sweeper that Rangers manager Skip Schumaker has described as 'devastating.'

  • Collyer was drafted by the Rangers in the 12th round of the 2019 MLB draft.
  • In 2022, Collyer's fastball topped out at 93 mph, prompting him to make changes to his training regimen.
  • Collyer pitched at High-A Hickory in 2023 and 2024 before making his Double-A Frisco debut at the end of the 2024 season.
  • In 2025, Collyer was promoted to Triple-A Round Rock, where his four-seam fastball ran 95-98 mph.

The players

Gavin Collyer

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization, who was a 12th-round draft pick in 2019 and has seen a significant increase in his fastball velocity over the past year.

Skip Schumaker

The current manager of the Texas Rangers, who has been impressed by Collyer's stuff and potential.

Texas Rangers

The Major League Baseball team that drafted Collyer in 2019 and has him in their spring training camp as a non-roster invitee, competing for a bullpen spot.

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What they’re saying

“If he's around the zone, he's got elite swing and miss with a fastball, which you just don't see in the game.”

— Skip Schumaker, Rangers Manager (The Dallas Morning News)

“When you do get done with a live, and they say you're sitting 97, 98 — you just want to smile.”

— Gavin Collyer (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

Collyer will need to continue to improve his control and command during spring training in order to solidify a spot in the Rangers' bullpen for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Gavin Collyer's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. After struggling with his velocity in the minors, he dedicated himself to training and has seen a remarkable spike in his fastball speed. If he can harness his control issues, Collyer could be a valuable addition to the Rangers' bullpen and a feel-good story for the organization.